Our view: Plug yourself into decision on Internet proposal

And many Republicans argue that people and businesses  not governments  should be the prime decisionmakers in the economic sector.

So developments in the high-speed Internet issue bear watching  if for no other reason than the relative novelty of watching Engler trying to get more taxation and government control and seeing a powerful Midland Republican  Sen. Bill Schuette  disagree with the governor.

Schuette is a member of the Senate Technology and Energy Committee, which on Wednesday holds its second hearing on Engler's proposal.

It's a pocketbook issue, not just one for political junkies.

Engler says his plan is necessary to make sure Michigan can attract high-tech companies and keep its citizens on the forefront of technology. He also says statewide high-speed access could create half a million jobs in Michigan.

His plan calls for a statewide financing authority to help fund high-speed Internet service in underserved areas as well as a central office for establishing the rights to lay what's known as broadband lines.

The governor's proposal also calls for a 7-cent-per-foot fee that Ameritech and 35 smaller telephone companies would have to pay for the right of way to lay the high-speed lines. The fee would cost those companies about $70 million per year.

The Telecommunications Association of Michigan said it and other businesses oppose the legislation because it would impose staggering new costs.

And if companies face staggering new costs, customers would, no doubt, end up paying them.

So people concerned about costs and people who like Engler's plan should let lawmakers know what they think about Senate Bills 879 through 881  the sooner, the better.

The Senate committee is to consider specific amendments on Jan. 23. Seven days later, the committee is to vote on the legislation. After that, the full Senate  and later the House  are expected to vote.